Part-time research associate wanted for national survey of online learning

We (the Canadian Digital Learning Research Association – CDLRA) have almost completed all the work for the 2018 national survey of online learning in Canadian post-secondary institutions. The 2018 reports will be released next week and we are just beginning the work for the 2019 survey. 

For the past two years I have done most of the report writing together with Jeff Seaman of the Babson Survey Research Group. However, I will be gradually withdrawing from this work, and we need a Canadian who can take over some of the more detailed data analysis and report writing, so that Tricia Donovan, the project leader, can concentrate on management, financial and liaison issues.

The plan then is to hire a part-time research associate that I can supervise and guide during 2019 with the aim that this will become an ongoing, relatively independent position in later years. I set out below the relevant information about this position.

The Canadian Digital Learning Research Association

The Canadian Digital Learning Research Association (CDLRA) conducts an annual survey of online and distance learning in Canadian public post-secondary institutions. Its reports are available through its web site at: https://onlinelearningsurveycanada.ca/ and https://formationenlignecanada.ca/

The project leader is Tricia Donovan, who leads the project with a team of part-time consultants. The CDLRA also works in partnership with the Babson Survey Research Group. Funding is provided mainly through provincial eCampuses or other provincial government agencies with some additional funding from the private sector.

In April 2019, questionnaires will be sent to just over 200 institutions on the roster, and the cut-off date for questionnaire return will be the end of May. Data will be processed and analyzed during June, July and August, with reports scheduled for publication in October. Reports will be produced in English and French. The questionnaire responses will include both quantitative and qualitative data. There will be at least three kinds of report:

• Full technical report, including all data and detailed methodology
• A shorter, more selective public report, based on the technical report
• Four separate regional reports (Western Canada, Ontario, Québec, Maritimes/Arctic)

Research Associate

A part-time research associate is required to help with survey design, data analysis and report writing between March and October, 2019.

The contract of $20,000 will be for the equivalent of 100 days work during this period, or roughly 20 days a month for five months. The research associate will be self-employed and responsible for payment of taxes.

A secondment or sub-contract from a university, college or other appropriate organization would also be considered.

Job description

The Babson Survey Research Group is responsible for the administration of the questionnaire, the production of the initial data tables, and the writing of the public report.

The research associate will be responsible for more detailed data analysis and will help with the writing of the full technical report and sub-reports. More specifically, the research associate will:

• participate in discussions about question selection and wording for the questionnaire
• help with the selection and organization of the roster of the 230+ institutions in the survey
• in conjunction with Jeff Seaman, Babson Survey Research Group, draft the full technical report under the supervision of Dr. Tony Bates, based on data sets provided by the Babson Survey Research Group
• draft the four regional sub-reports
• assist, as available, with presentation of the results at conferences/meetings.

Requirements

Essential

• fluent English-speaker
• research writing skills, in particular, concise, objective and analytical writing
• ability to analyse and interpret data, both quantitative and qualitative
• Masters or Ph.D (or in the process of completing such qualifications)
• ability to use and understand spreadsheets
• collaborative and teamwork skills/good general communication skills
• Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• ability to work independently and to meet deadlines.

Desirable

• quantitative and/or qualitative educational research experience
• knowledge/understanding of the Canadian public post-secondary system
• bilingual (French and English)
• online teaching (or learning) experience

Further information

Applicants should send a one page statement indicating their suitability for the position, including the names and contact information of two people willing to provide a reference, plus a full CV, by 25 February, 2019, to:

• Tony Bates (tony.bates@ubc.ca)